India boasts of some amazing tunnelling skills. Crossing difficult mountain ranges, these tunnels have completely changed the face of travelling. From train tunnels cutting through the Himalayas to modern road tunnels in remote areas, India’s capabilities in terms of engineering are evident. Here is a look at some of the major tunnels of India.

1. Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel

Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is in the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir and is the longest railway tunnel in India. It is about 11.2 km long and forms an important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

The tunnel has excellent safety features such as emergency exits, proper ventilation, and a three-meter-wide maintenance road. It takes about ten minutes for a train to pass through this tunnel. The tunnel has made it possible to travel despite heavy snowfall in the region and has ensured that train travel is safe throughout the year.

2. Karbude Railway Tunnel – A Landmark on the Konkan Railway

Before the Pir Panjal Tunnel was finished, the Karbude Rail Tunnel was known as the longest rail tunnel in India. The long-time Karbude Rail Tunnel, located in the state of Maharashtra near Ratnagiri, is a 6.5 km long tunnel situated between the Ukshi Station and the Bhoke Station of the Konkan Railway.

Thanks to its green hills, rivers, and beaches, the Konkan Railway is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in India. The construction of Karbude Tunnel was not an easy task, but one of a kind due to the harsh conditions of the area as well as heavy rainfall in the area. Nonetheless, to this day, the Karbude Rail Tunnel has been an invaluable part of the Konkan Railway system.

3. Natuwadi Railway Tunnel – The Western Ghats Connector

Another significant achievement of the Konkan Railway is the Natuwadi Railway Tunnel found between the Karanjadi Station and Diwan Khavati Station in Maharashtra. The Natuwadi tunnel is a 4.3-kilometer-long tunnel and among the largest in the country.

It was built in 1997 and is located in the area of the Western Ghats, which is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Thanks to the large number of bridges and tunnels, the transport links between Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka have been substantially enhanced by Konkan Railways, along with picturesque scenery during the trip.

4. Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) – India’s Engineering Prowess

The Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Tunnel is among the best engineering projects of road infrastructure in India. Situated under the Rohtang Pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh, it has a length of 9.02 kilometers, thus being among the longest highway tunnels at a height of 10,000 feet in the world.

Due to its altitude being higher than 3,000 meters, the tunnel ensures the connectivity of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti regardless of weather conditions. The distance traveled is cut by 46 kilometers and saves several hours in trip duration. The Atal Tunnel has modern systems for surveillance, emergency exits, and ventilation technology, and has been of great help to the tourism industry, businesses, and military activities in the Himalayas.

5. Chenani–Nashri Tunnel – Enhancing Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

The Chenani–Nashri Tunnel is officially called the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and is one of the longest tunnels in India. The construction of the tunnel was executed on National Highway 44 in Jammu and Kashmir, with the total length amounting to around 9.3 kilometers. Because of this construction, the risks of landslides on the Patnitop route were eliminated.

Now, the travel distance between Jammu and Srinagar is notably reduced, while the movement is guaranteed at any time of year, even during the harsh winters. The latest advancements are included in the tunnel construction, which serves as a state-of-the-art project.